2016
Outline of the National Institutes
for Cultural Heritage

CONTENTS
Message����������������������������1
Ⅰ Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage���2
Ⅱ Projects of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage ��5
１（表紙写真）
Tokyo National Museum:
Scenes In and Around Kyoto (Funaki
version), National Treasure, By
Iwasa Matabei, Edo period, 17th
century
Kyoto National Museum:Okuni Kabuki Screen, Important
Cultural Property, Momoyama
period, 17th century
Nara National Museum:
Seated Yakushi Nyorai, National
Treasure, Heian period, 9th century
Kyushu National Museum:
Shrine for crucified Christ withdesign of flowers, birds andanimals in maki-e lacquer and mother-of-pearl
inlay, Important Cultural Property, AzuchiMomoyama period, 16th-17th century
National Research Institute forCultural Properties, Tokyo:
Survey of Intangible Cultural Heritage(Cattle with ornaments at the Mibu
Rice-planting Festival, Kitahiroshima)
Nara National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties:
Archaeological site restoration
training activity in Myanmar
International Research Centre for
Intangible Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI):
Workshop on the revival of traditionalarts and how they can be used tohelp rebuild communities

 reservation and Transmission of Tangible Cultural Properties, andP
Utilization of Cultural Properties to Disseminate Japan’s History
and Traditional Culture Nationally and Internationally��������� 5（１）
Collection and Preservation of Tangible Cultural Properties, andTransmission of Tangible Cultural Properties to Future Generations ������������������������������� 5▪Acquisition▪Conservation and Restoration（２）Exhibitions ���������������������������� 5▪Exhibitions▪Number of Visitors（３）Education ���������������������������� 6（４）Research on the Collection, Preservation, and Exhibition of
Tangible Cultural Properties (Namely fine and applied arts),
and educational activities ������������������� 6（５）Contribution to Museum-related Activities in Japan and Abroad� 6
２ Implementing Research and Collaborative Projects for theProtection of Cultural Properties and Overseas Cultural Heritage �� 6（１）Research Leading to New ldeas ����������������� 6（２）Basic Research for the Improvement of Research and Development Utilizing Science and Technology…………………………………… 7（３）International Collaboration Relating to the Preservation of Cultural Heritage……………………………………………………………………… 7（４）Collecting and Collating Information Relating to Cultural Properties, and Publicizing and Utilizing the Results of Surveys andResearch……………………………………………………………………………… 7（５）Provision of Training for, and Collaboration with, Local Govern-Ⅲment Authorities in Relation to Cultural Properties�������� 7

Activities of Each Institution����������������8
Tokyo National Museum �����������������8
Kyoto National Museum ���������������� 10
Nara National Museum����������������� 12
Kyushu National Museum ��������������� 14
National Research Institute forCultural Properties, Tokyo ��������������� 16
Nara National Research Institute forCultural Properties������������������� 18
International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region（IRCI）
�� 20Ⅳ Reference Materials ������������������� 22
Directors / Special Advisory Board /External Evaluation Board
Number of Staff
Organizational Chart
BudgetIncome from External Sources
Information about Donations and Membership������� 24
Financial Donations and Cultural Property Donations
Membership
Venue Rental
Improving Overseas Visitors’ ExperienceMessage
SASAKI Johei
President
Independent Administrative Institution
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage

The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage (NICH) comprises the following institutions: four National Museums(Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nara National Museum, Kyushu National Museum); two National
Research Institutes for Cultural Properties (National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo, Nara National
Research Institute for Cultural Properties); and the International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage in
the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI). This booklet presents an overview of the activities being undertaken by these seveninstitutions.
While each of these institutions has its own important role to play, they also have a shared goal—to contributeto a better understanding of Japanese traditional culture by preserving and conducting research on culturalproperties and by enabling as many people as possible to view these cultural assets under the best possible
conditions and in the best possible environments. The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage thus has theimportant task of supporting the foundations of the administration of cultural property preservation in Japan.
The Fourth Medium-term Plan of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage (NICH) was launched in April thisyear, which marks the fifteenth anniversary of NICH’s establishment as the Independent Administrative Institution(IAI) National Museum and the ninth anniversary of its transformation into the National Institutes for Cultural
Heritage. While the creation of NICH, which was part of a wider program of administrative reform in Japan, wasfollowed by a period in which it struggled to find its way, the implementation since then of three medium-term plans
has seen the National Museums, National Research Institutes for Cultural Properties, and International ResearchCenter for Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region that make up NICH put their operations on firm
footing, with each institution successfully developing its own unique character. During this period, NICH has also
been working steadily to improve its facilities, with the renovation of the Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall & RitualBronzes Gallery at the Nara National Museum in 2010 when the Second Medium-term Plan was being implemented,
the renovation of the Toyokan at the Tokyo National Museum in 2013, and the opening of the Heisei Chishinkan
Wing at the Kyoto National Museum in 2014 during the Third Medium-term Plan. During the implementation
period of the Fourth Medium-term Plan, the construction of the new head office building for the Nara National
Research Institute for Cultural Properties will be completed (scheduled for completion in 2019), and upcoming
projects include the renovation of the Honkan (Japanese Gallery) of the Tokyo National Museum and the seismic
reinforcement of the Special Exhibition Hall at the Kyoto National Museum.
Regarding projects relating to NICH as a whole, major upcoming events include the ICOM KYOTO 2019, andthe 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. The hosting of these major events by Japan represents a marvelous
opportunity to promote wider understanding of Japan’s rich, diverse culture, and to utilize Japan’s cultural heritage
in dynamic ways. It will be possible to use culture to promote exchange among people from all over the world
throughout Japan, and NICH will be implementing a variety of initiatives aimed at realizing the vision of“putting
culture and the arts at the heart of Japan’s national regeneration.”
The first year of implementation of NICH’s Third Medium-term Plan (2011) was the year in which the Great East
Japan Earthquake occurred, and 2016—the year in which the Fourth Medium-term Plan is being implemented—
has seen major earthquakes in Kumamoto. Both disasters resulted in severe damage and loss of life. NICH is
striving to learn from the experience of the Great East Japan Earthquake by reviewing the relevant coordinationand collaboration mechanisms for protecting and rescuing cultural heritage from natural disasters, with the aim of
ensuring that, in the event of large-scale disasters such as major earthquakes, suitable measures can be taken torescue and restore cultural heritage.
While acknowledging that we operate within the constraints of government finance, we must endeavor, as
those engaged in traditional Japanese culture, to communicate the importance of protecting cultural properties,
exhibiting them to the public, and informing the public about them. This is our responsibility.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016 1

Ⅰ Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
The Independent Administrative Institution (IAI), National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, was formed in April 2007 through themerging of the IAI National Museums (Tokyo National Museum, Kyoto National Museum, Nara National Museum, and Kyushu
National Museum) and the IAI National Research Institutes for Cultural Properties (National Research Institute for Cultural
Properties, Tokyo, and Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties), all of which share the same mission: theconservation and utilization of cultural properties. With the addition of the International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural
Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region, which was established in October 2011, the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage now
comprise a total of seven individual institutions.
Japan’s cultural properties are the precious assets of the Japanese people. In order to preserve and utilize these properties
more effectively and efficiently under unified management, each of the seven existing institutions plays the following roles;

Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Nara National Museum

As Japan’s foremost museum inthe humanities field, Tokyo National
Museum collects, preserves, manages,
and displays cultural properties fromacross Japan and other Asian regions,while also conducting research and providing educational programs.

Kyoto National Museum collects,preserves, manages, and displays
cultural properties, while also
conducting research and providing
educational programs. The focus ison works from the Heian period to
the Edo period. a time when Kyoto
was the capital of Japan.

Nara National Museum collects preserves, manages, and displays Cultural
while also conducting research and providing education programs. The focus
is Buddhist art and the cultural properties of Nara

Kyushu National Museum

National Research Institute forCultural Properties, Tokyo

Nara National Institute forCultural Properties

National Research Institute for Cultural
Properties, Tokyo, conducts research on
Japanese cultural properties, utilizing avariety of methods. In addition to publicizing and utilizing the results of thisresearch, as an International Center forcooperation, the institute also facilitates
global research into the protection ofcultural properties.

Located near the Nara Palace site,
Nara National Research Institute forCultural Properties conducts excavation
and research projects related to theconservation and utilization of Cultural
heritage such as sites. buildings andgardens, as well as cultural properties,
preserved at major temples and shrines in
the Nara and Kinki regions. The institutealso provides advice and cooperates forresearch projects conductied acrossJapan.

Kyushu National Museum collects,preserves, manages, and displays cultural properties. while also conducting
research and providing educational programs. The focus is on cultural assets
s cultural exchanges
related to Japan’
with other Asian regions.

International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region
This institution facilitates researchfor safeguarding endangered intangible cultural heritage (ICH) in the
Asia-Pacific region, and collects anddisseminates information relating tointernational trends in the safeguardingof ICH.

Tokyo National Museum

Access▲ To JRUguisudani
StationInternational
Library ofChildren’s
Literature
KurodaMemorial Hall◀To Tokyo
Metro Nezu
Station13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712

West
Gate

TOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM
Main Gate

Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

Phone: +81-3-3822-1111

Fountain
Police Box

Ueno park
Ueno Zoo

National Museumof Western Art
Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival HallPark Exit
To Keisei Ueno Station ▼JR UenoStationhttp://www.tnm.jp/

National Science
MuseumTokyo Metro
Ueno Station

10 min. walk from the Ueno Park Exit of JR Ueno Station orfrom the South Exit of JR Uguisudani Station
15 min. walk from Ueno Station or Nezu Station (Tokyo Metro),
or from Keisei Ueno Station (Keisei Electric Railway Keisei Line)

Visitor Information

Hours: 9:30–17:00 (Last entry 30 min. before closing)
Fridays during Special Exhibitions (Apr.–Dec.) and Wednesdays in
July and August: open until 20:00
Weekends and holidays (Apr.–Sept.: open until 18:00)
Closed: M ondays (If Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be
open on that Monday and closed on the following Tuesday)
Dec. 24–Jan. 1 for year-end holidays
Opening hours and the days on which the Museum isclosed are subject to change due to Special Exhibitions
and events.

2 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016

Admission: Adults: 620 (520) yen
University Students: 410 (310) yen※( ) indicate prices for those in groups of 20 or more.
※Additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Persons with disabilities and one accompanying person are admitted free.
※Persons over 70 and under 18 are admitted free to regular exhibitions.
※Admission to regular exhibitions is free on International Museum Day (May18 or the following day if it falls on a Monday) and the Respect for the
Aged Day (the third Monday of September).

Kyoto National Museum
605-0931 Japan
Phone: +81-75-541-1151
http://www.kyohaku.go.jp/

JR Kyoto
Station

Kintetsu
Kyoto Line

Kennin-ji
TempleHigasStre hioji
etKaw
Stre abata
et
Yam
atoo
Stre
ji
et

River

Kaw
Stre aramachietKarasuma
StreetShichijo
StreetKeih
Railwanay

Higashi Hongan-ji
TempleKamo

527 Chaya-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto

HokokuShrineKyoto National
Museumijo
Shichon
Stati

Gojo Street

Subway Karasuma Line

Horikawa
StreetAccessChishaku-in
TempleSanjusangendo
TempleJR Tokaido Line
Shinkansen Line

JR Nara Line

Transportation
By JR or Subway
Get off at Kyoto Station, From bus platform D1 take City Bus #100 or from bus platform D2, take City
Bus #206 or #208. Get off at “Hakubutsukan Sanjusangendo-mae” bus stop, in front of the museum.
By Keihan Railway
Get off at Shichijo Station. Walk east along Shichijo (Nanajo) Street for about seven minutes to themuseum.
By Kintetsu Railway
Get off at Tanbabashi Station and transfer to Keihan Railway From Keihan Tanbabashi Station take a
Demachyanagi-bound train to Shichijo Station. Walk east along Shichijo (Nanajo)Street for about sevenminutes to the museum.
By Hankyu Railway
Get off at Kawaramachi Station. Walk east over the bridge to the Keihan Railway Gion Shijo Station.
Take on Osaka-bound Keihan train to Shichijo Station. Walk east along Shichijo(Nanajo) Street for aabout seven minutes to the museum.
Parking
The museum has limited parking at an hourly rate. Please use public transportation whenever possible.

Visitor Information

Hours: 9:30–17:00
Special Exhibition Hours: 9:30–18:00, extended to 20:00 on Fridays(Admission ends 30 minutes before closing) ondays (when Monday is a national holiday, the museum remains open on
Closed: M
Monday and closes the following Tuesday);	During the year-end and New Year holiday period in late December and early
January;
On Friday, October 14 (2016).
Admission:

Nara National Museum

Admission: General: 520 (410) yen
University students: 260 (210) yen※Prices in parentheses are for groups of 20 or more
※Free admission for seniors (70 and older) and children (under 17 or high school students)※Free admission (to all exhibitions) for disabled pass holders and one assistant※An additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Different admission prices will apply during the periods when the Heisei Chishinkan Wing is closed.

AccessTodaiji
TempleN
W

Himuro Jinja 卍
NaraShrinePrefectural
Office underpass

E
S
Kintetsu
Nara Station

50 Noborioji-cho, Nara City

Noborioji Street

Kohfukuji
Temple 卍
Sanjo Street

JR
Sta Naration

Nara Prefecture 630-8213
Phone: +81-742-22-7771
http://www.narahaku.go.jp/

KasugaTaisha Shrine

Nara National Museum卍

Gangoji
Temple(Kintetsu Line) 15 min. from Kintetsu Nara Station(City Loop Bus) “Shinai Junkan” from JR or Kintetsu Nara
Station to ”Himuro Jinja / Kokuritsu Hakubutsukan” bus stop

Visitor Information

The Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall reopened on April 29, 2016 following the completion of therenovation work.
Hours: 9:30–17:00 (Last admission is 30 minutes before closing)※Open 9:00–18:00 during the Shoso-in Treasures exhibition period
Open 9:30–18:00: July 23–September 19 and March 1–11, 13, 14※Open 9:30–19:00: Fridays from the last Friday in April to the last Friday in October;F ridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and National Holidays during the Shoso-in Treasures
exhibition period;A ugust 5–15, December 17, the fourth Saturday of January, February 3, and March 12※Open 9:30–20:30 during the Nararurie event period (February 8–14)
 ondays (except when National Holidays fall on Mondays, in which case the museum
Closed: M
is open on the holiday and closed the day after the holidays), New Year’s Day (January 1)

Admissions:

Adults: 520 (410) yen
University Students: 260 (210) yen※( ) indicates prices for those in groups of 20 or more※An additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Free admission (to all exhibitions) for disabled pass holders and one assistant※Free admission (to masterpiece exhibitions) for seniors (70 and older) andchildren (under 17 or high school students)※Free admission to masterpiece exhibitions on Children’s Day (May 5), International Museum Day (May 18 or the following day if it falls on a Monday), Respect for the Aged Day (the third Monday of September), Kansai Culture
Day, On-Matsuri Festival Owatari-shiki parade, and Setsubun (February 3)

Kyushu National Museum

Access35

Dazaifu Tenmangu
Shrine4-7-2, Ishizaka, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka
Prefecture, 818-0118
Phone: +81-92-918-2807

Nishitetsu
Dazaifu
StationNis
Da hitetzaif suuL
ine

http://www.kyuhaku.com/

Visitor Information

Hours: 9:30-17:00 (Last admission at 16:30)
Closed on Mondays (except for National Holidays that fall on Mondays, in which case the museum is
open on the holiday and closed the following Tuesday), and during the Year-end holidays

The Cultural Exchange Exhibition（Permanent Exhibition）

Admission: Adults: 430 (220) yen
University students: 130 (70) yen※( ) indicate group prices (for paying visitors in groups of 20 or more)※An additional charge is required for special exhibitions※Free admission for individual with disability certificate and one caretaker※Free admission to the Cultural Exchange Exhibition (permanent exhibition) for individuals 70
years or older, under 18 years old, or who are high school students and below※Free admission to the Cultural Exchange Exhibition on International Museum Day (May 18 or
the following day if it falls on Monday) and Respect for the Aged Day¯¯
Komyozenji
TempleKyushuNational
Museum76
Chikushino-Dazaifu LineBy rail:	Nishitetsu rail line: From Nishitetsu Fukuoka (Tenjin) Station, takethe Nishitetsu Tenjin Omuta Line to Nishitets Futsukaichi Station(approximately 13 minutes on the Limited Express, 17 minutes on
an Express train), and transfer to the Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line (approximately 5 minutes) and get off at Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station.
Approximately 10 minutes walk from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station.
*Please note that no extra charge is required for taking the Limited
Express or Express train.
Jr rail line:	From JR Hakata Station, take the JR Kagoshima Chuo Line (approximately 15minutes on the Rapid train) and get off at Jr Futsukaichi Station To get to Nishitetsu Futsukaichi Station it is approximately 12 minutesWalk or 5 minutes by bus.Take the Nishitetsu
Dazaifu Line and get off at Nishitetsu DazaifStation.
By car:	By Kyushu Expressway, approximately 20 minutes drive from either
Dazaifu I.C. or Chikushino I.C. via Takao Intersection. By Fukuoka Urban Expressway, a pproximately 20 minutes drive from Mizuki exit
via Takao Intersection
By taxi:	Approximately 15 minutes from JR Futsukaichi Station, or30 minutes from Fukuoka Airport.
 rom Hakata Bus Terminal (Bus Stop No. 11) take the bus
By Nishitetsu bus: F
to Dazaifu and get off at Nishitetsu Dazaifu Station (journey time is approximately 40 minutes). From the Station, it
is approximately 10 minutes walk t o the Museum.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016 3

National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo卍 Kaneiji

JR Uguisudani
StationtempleShinobugaoka
Junior High School

Ueno juniorHigh School

National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties, Tokyo

International Library ofchildren’s Literature

TOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM

Kuroda Memorial Hall

(JR Line) 10 min. from the South Exit of Uguisudani Station,
15min. from the Ueno Park Exit of Ueno Station(Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line) 20 min. from Ueno Station(Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line) 20 min. from Nezu Station(Keisei Line) 20 min. from Keisei Ueno Station

The University
Art Museum-Tokyo
University of the Arts

Tokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

National Science
MuseumUeno park

National Museumof Western Art
Ueno Zoo

Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival Hall

To Tokyo Station

http://www.toubunken.go.jp/

JR UenoStation←To Ikebukuro
Station↑Phone: +81-3-3823-2241

AccessPark Exit

13-43 Ueno Prak,Taito-ku,Tokyo, 110-8713

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties
AccessNara facilities

Asuka and Fujiwara sites

JR-WestＮara Sta.

(Kintetsu Line) 10 min. from Yamato Saidaiji Station
to the institute and the Nara Palace Site Museum(Nara Kotsu Bus from JR and Kintetsu Nara Stations)
3 min. from Nijocho stop to the Nara Palace Site
MuseumVisitor Information●Nara Palace Site Museum
Hours: 9:00-16:30 (Admission free; last admission at 16:00)
Closed: M ondays (except when National Holidays fall on Mondays, in which case the museum is
open on the holiday and closed the following day instead) and over the New Year period
Note: Free guided tours by volunteers available
hone: 0742-30-6753 (Collaboration Promotion Division)●Exhibition Room of Fujiwara Palace Site
Hours: 9:00-16:30 (Free admission)
Closed: During the New Year period and exhibition renewal periods
 744-24-1122 Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations (Asuka and Fujiwara)
Phone: 0

Kashihara
jingo shrine←To Osaka
Abenobashi

Kintetsu
kashihara Line
Unebi goryomae
Sta.

To Kintetsu Nara→

←To Osaka

Route24

Kintetsu Kashihara Line

Omiya St.

To Sakurai→

Kashihara
Kintetsu Minami jingu-mae Sta.
Osaka Line

(Asuka/Fujiwara)

Mt Amanokaguyamaa←To Kashiharajingu-mae

Ichijo St

Shin Omiya
Sta.

To Sakurai→

JR Sakurai Line

Fujiwara Department of Imperial
Place Site Palace Sites Investigations

Route 24

w
ga r
ka ve
su Ri

e

Miminashi
Sta.

A

Nara Lin

t
es ne
-W Li
JR sainKa

http://www.nabunken.go.jp/

Kintetsu

Route 165
JR Unebi
Sta.

←To Takada

zu

Phone: +81-742-30-6733

SuzakuGate

Ki

fecture 630-8577

Nara palace
East Palace
Site
GardenTo

247-1 Saki-cho, Nara City, Nara Pre

Nara National
Research Institutefor Cultural
Properties(temporary
building)

Kintetsu Osaka Line

Yamato←To Osaka Yagi Sta.
Uehonmachi←

Nara Palace
Site Museum

Y←T Said amatooa
Na Osak iji Sta
mb a
.
a

Former Imperial
Audience Hall
Excavation Site
Exhibition Hall

Route 169o→

To Kyot

Asuka HistoricalMuseumOkuyama kumedera
temple↓To Yoshino

Asuka Niimasu
Jinjya shrine

Yamadadera
temple(Kintetsu Line) 20 min.by taxi from Yamato Yagi Station
to the institute 20 min
by taxi from Kashihara Jingu Mae Station to the Asuka
Historical Museum
From either Kintetsu Kashihara Jingu Mae Station or
Kintetsu Asuka Station. take the Kame Bus and get off
at the Asuka Historical Museum stop.
From JR/Kintetsu Sakurai Station, take the Nara Kotsu
Bus and get off at the Asuka Historical Museum stop.

●Asuka Historical Museum
Hours: 9:00-16:30 (Last admission at 16:00)
 ondays (except when National Holidays fall on Mondays, in which case the museum
Closed: M
is open on the holiday and closed the following day) and over the New Year period
Admissions:	Adults: 270 (170) yen
University Students: 130 (60) yen※( ) indicate prices for those in groups of 20 or more
※An additional charge is required for some special exhibitions※Persons with disabilities and one accompanying person are admitted free※Persons under 18 years, and school students (up to and including highschool) are admitted free to regular exhibitions
Note:Guides available (free of charge, reservations required)
Phone: 0744-54-3561 Asuka Historical Museum

International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI)
AccessShin-osaka

Highway
Sakai Exit

To Namba

http://www.irci.jp

4 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016

City OfficeN
Koy ankaia LineNintokuTenno-ryo
Kofun
Bus Stop
Hakubutukan-mae

IRCI
Goryodori
Daisennishimachi2cho

Mikun

igaokaMozu

Goryomae

JR Hanwa Lineshi

Phone:+81-72-275-8050

iga

Sakai City, Osaka 590-0802

TennojikaihHankai Line

Sa

Sakai City Museum, 2 cho Mozusekiun-cho, Sakai-ku,

Osaka

To Kansai
Airport●(JR Hanwa Line) 6 min. from Mozu Station(Nankai Bus) 4 min. from Sakaishi Hakubutsukanmae

Ⅱ Projects of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
The Undertakings of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage include:
and Transmission of Tangible Cultural Properties, and Utilization of Cultural
１ Preservation
Properties to Disseminate Japan’s History and Traditional Culture Nationally and Internationally（1）C ollection and Preservation of Tangible Cultural Properties, and Transmission of Tangible Cultural Properties to Future Generations
As core institutions involved in the preservation and transmission of history and traditional culture, each museum collects objects
according to its own individual collection policy to ensure that the accumulation of objects is systematically and historically balanced.
We also work closely with the Agency for Cultural Affairs to actively promote donations and long-term loans from private owners,
utilizing the System of Enrolled Art Objects, for example, or improving the inheritance tax system to make donation of objects easier.
Japan’s cultural properties are the precious assets of the Japanese people. In order to pass on this heritage to future
generations, we implement thorough management of items in the collections, and make efforts to improve the environments for these
items while working systematically to conserve them, with those requiring urgent treatment given priority. This work is carried out
through the coordinated efforts of NICH's conservators and professionals of conservation science as well as specialists (both internaland external) in the fields of conservation science and restoration technology, using both traditional techniques and modern scientificmethods. Conservation studios and other facilities also consider the need to protect cultural properties from natural disasters, andare working with the government to make further preparations.

■Acquisition

We continually strive to collect cultural properties through purchases and donations with the aim of:（1）accumulatingcollections that are both systematically and historically balanced, and（2）preventing the dispersion of private collections andthe export of tangible cultural properties from Japan.
Furthermore, the four museums each accept long-term loans from temples, shrines, and private collectors in order to further
enhance their own distinctive regular exhibitions.

■Conservation and Restoration

Tangible cultural properties preserved in museum collections need to be restored approximately once every 100 years. The
Institutes carry out two levels of conservation work: minimal treatments for general display and storage when necessary; and fullscale treatments, performed on a schematic basis in response to the condition of the object.

Number of Works in the Museum Collections
Total
Total
126,872（Entries）

Tokyo National Museum Kyoto National Museum Nara National Museum Kyushu NationalＭuseum

Important
Important
Important
Important
ImportantNational
National
National
National
National
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
CulturalTreasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
131

963

116,932

87

634

7,532

28

183

1,883

13

112

525

3

34

（Figures as of March 31, 2016）

Number of Works on Long-term Loan to the Museums（Entries）

Total

Tokyo National Museum Kyoto National Museum Nara National Museum Kyushu National Museum
Important
Important
Important
Important
ImportantNational
National
National
National
National
Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
Cultural Total
CulturalTreasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Treasures
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
Properties
55
258 6,11291
820 1,987
54
327
885
2
12
12,056 202 1,417 3,072（Figures as of March 31, 2016）（２）Exhibitions
We disseminate information both nationally and internationally to promote understanding of the history and traditional culture ofJapan and other Asian regions. For this purpose, we hold attractive exhibitions and high-quality displays that reflect both visitor
needs and the latest academic trends, while also taking into consideration the needs of international cultural exchange.
In addition, we are constantly striving to make our museums more visitor-friendly by creating multilingual and accessible
environments, with extensive information for visitors to enhance the overall museum environment. We are also making
improvements to museum management in response to visitor feedback.

■Exhibitions

Each museum holds its own distinctive regular and special exhibitions to provide opportunities for visitors to engage withtraditional art and archaeological objects, including National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. We also collaborate
with overseas museums to hold exhibitions which introduce our respective cultures.

■Number of Visitors（FY 2015）
Total

Tokyo National Museum

Kyoto National Museum

Nara National Museum

Kyushu National Museum

3,987,831

1,994,508

653,336455,859

884,128

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016 5

Special Exhibition: Kuroda Seiki, Master of Modern Japanese Painting: The 150th Anniversary of his Birth(Tokyo National Museum, March 23–May 15, 2016)

The Beauty of Mantra: Arts in the Collection of Daigoji Temple(May 11-July 10, 2016, Shanghai Museum, China)（３）Education
To promote understanding of the history andtraditional culture of Japan and other Asian
regions, we provide a variety of educational
programs, such as lectures and workshops, incooperation with schools and other educational
institutions.
Furthermore, we work with universities toprovide professional training and support volunteer activities with the aim of further improving
our educational programs. We also implement
Visitors to Kyoto National Museum enjoy Training for consevators held at Naratraining programs for museum professionals,
an educational talk by one of the Museum’s National Museum
conservators, and others.
“Cultural Property Sommelier” volunteers
In addition, we utilize the internet to disseminate information about cultural properties, and publicize our exhibitions and educational activities through the collection, publication, and display of various types of information.

（４）Research on the Collection, Preservation, and Exhibition of Tangible Cultural
Properties (Namely fine and applied arts), and Educational Activities

We conduct surveys and research relating to the collection, preservation, and exhibition of tangible cultural properties, as well as educational activities, on a systematic
basis; organize international symposiums to which leading researchers are invited;arrange for NICH staff to work at overseas research institutes and attend international conferences; and conduct research while accumulating the latest information.
The results obtained in our surveys and research are publicized using a variety
of different methods, including publications and the internet, thereby contributing to
the transmission of cultural properties to the next generation and to the continued
enhancement of Japanese culture.

Research on collection items and donated items(Special Research Project (Applied Arts) at Tokyo
National Museum)（５）Contribution to Museum-related Activities in Japan and Abroad
We proactively loan items from our collections to museums both in Japan and abroad, while taking due account of the state of preservation of
the items in question, so that they may be viewed more widely by both
domestic and international audiences. We are also actively engaged inproviding guidance and advice to other museums and in the exchange
of information, as well as working to build a disaster response network
for cultural properties.
The 5th Meeting & Conference of the Asian National Museums
Association (ANMA) in Singapore (November 26, 2015)

Research and Collaborative Projects for the Protection of
２ Implementing
Cultural Properties and Overseas Cultural Heritage
We undertake the following types of surveys and research to contribute to the formation of the framework of knowledge andtechniques required to facilitate the transmission of priceless cultural properties to future generations.

（１）Research Leading to New Ideas
We are engaged in undertaking fundamental and systematic research relating to cultural properties (including collaborative
research and research-related exchange with other organizations, both in Japan and overseas) and also surveys and research

6 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016

that contribute to the preservation andeffective utilization of cultural properties.
The results achieved by these surveys
and research have led to an increase in
the amount of basic data available, facilitated the accumulation of academic
knowledge, and provided the basic information needed to support designation as
cultural properties, while also contributing, at individual and collective levels, toYakko odori dedicated at the Gobo Festival (Gobo Reinforced concrete apartment house on Hashima Island
the planning and establishment of culCity, Wakayama Prefecture)(Battleship Island, Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture）
tural property preservation measures by
national and local government bodies, as well as the evaluation of cultural property（２）Basic Research for the Improvement of Research and Development Utilizing Science and Technology
We undertake the following types of R&D to support the development of research on
the value and preservation of cultural properties:① We contribute to the enhancement of the accuracy and effectiveness of culturalproperty survey methods through the promotion of R&D work such as the application of science and technology. We also contribute towards the clarification of the
background (cultural, historical, and natural environment) against which culturalproperties came into being, and the process of change in this background over time.
②As a core research center for research relating to cultural property preservation science and restoration techniques, restoration materials, and production techniques,
we work for the development of new techniques for cultural property research,making use of the latest scientific and technological developments, and promote
cutting-edge surveys and research with the aim of fostering joint research andresearch-related exchange with other institutions both in Japan and overseas.

Investigation by X-ray radiography using a
portable scanner（３）International Collaboration Relating to the Preservation of Cultural Heritage
We promote the acquisition and analysis of information from abroad regarding cultural heritage, and also promote cooperative programs for the protection of thisheritage. Additionally, we create human resources development and technology
transfer programs for the conservation and restoration of cultural properties. These
programs involve training and the dispatch of specialists. All of the aforementioned
endeavors—which are pursued while utilizing the knowledge, technology, and experience that Japan has for the protection of cultural heritage—are contributionsof international importance. Moreover, through cooperation with researchers andother specialists in the Asia-Pacific region, we conduct research for the protectionof intangible cultural heritage endangered by natural disasters and other threats,and promote protection of this heritage on an international scale. Through suchactivities for the protection of humanity’s shared assets, we contribute to cultural
exchange between countries and to mutual understanding.

Research for safeguarding endangered intangible
cultural heritage(Woodblock printing in Dong Ho Village, Vietnam)（４）Collecting and Collating Information Relating to Cultural Properties, andPublicizing and Utilizing the Results of Surveys and Research

We are working to promote the digitalization of information relating to cultural properties andexpand related specialist archives, as well as organizing public lectures and international
symposiums, and expanding the content included on the websites of the individual facilities
that make up the NICH, with the aim of furthering the collection, collation and preservationof information relating to cultural properties and of ensuring that such outcomes are widely
publicized and disseminated. We are also working to expand the displays of survey and research results held at the Nara Palace Site Museum, Exhibition Room of Fujiwara Imperial
Site, and Asuka Historical Museum of the Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, so as to provide the general public with a more in-depth understanding of related areas.

The 49th Public Lecture in progress at National
Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo（５）Provision of Training for, and Collaboration with, Local Government Authorities in Relation to Cultural Properties
While contributing to the enhancement of knowledge and techniques through theimplementation of training tailored to the needs of local government authorities bymaking effective use of the results obtained in past surveys and research, we also undertake cultivation of core human resources that will play key roles in the preservationof Japan’s cultural properties in the future, through collaborative education projects inconjunction with university graduate schools. After the Great East Japan Earthquakeof 2011, we played a central role in activities conducted to rescue cultural properties
at the request of the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Making effective use of this experience, we are also undertaking research projects and human resources cultivation projects aimed at putting in place a nationwide system for communication and coordination so as to build a network for safeguarding and rescuing cultural properties in theevent of future large-scale disasters such as major earthquakes.

Training activity relating to rescuing culturalproperties (Practicing cleaning paper materials
that have been damaged in a natural disaster)

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016 7

Ⅲ Activities of Each Institution
Tokyo National Museum
As Japan’s foremost museum in the humanities field, Tokyo National Museum collects, preserves, manages, and displays cultural properties from across Japan and other Asian regions, while also conducting research and providing educational programs.

ZENIYA Masami

The Tokyo National Museum was established in 1872 and has the longest history of any museum inJapan. Its collection comprises more than 116,000 cultural properties, including many National
Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. We collect, preserve, restore, and display tangible culturalproperties from across Japan and other Asian regions. We also conduct research on these objects andpromote understanding of art through educational programs.
The Museum seeks to further enhance its culturally-oriented exhibitions by displaying some of thefinest objects and holding events tailored to the seasons. In October of last year, the JapaneseArchaeology Gallery in the Heiseikan was reopened following a renovation. With display cases that utilize
the latest technology as well as hands-on exhibits, the Gallery has been transformed: the exhibits are
now more pleasing to the eye and easier to understand.
In addition to exhibitions, the Museum also offers a wide range of programs, including hands-on
activities, guided tours, and workshops. Our hands-on art-making workshops for students help them todeeper their understanding of cultural treasures.
We will continue striving to make the Tokyo National Museum more enjoyable for everyone, includingchildren and adults, as well as visitors from other countries.

Executive Director
Tokyo National Museum■Exhibitions●Regular Exhibitions

The regular exhibitions comprise the core function of the museum’s exhibition activities, displaying works from the museum collection as well
as objects on loan to the museum. Exhibits are rotated periodically, with an approximate total of 370 rotations annually. In the fiscal year of
2016, 7,200 objects are scheduled for display. The regular exhibition galleries are as follows:
HONKAN (Japanese Gallery): The 2nd floor provides an overview of the evolution of Japanese art in chronological order from the Jomon to
the Edo period. The exhibits on the 1st floor are categorized by genre and include sculptures, ceramics, and swords.
TOYOKAN (Asian Gallery): This building is dedicated to artworks and archeological artifacts from China, the Korean Peninsula, Southeast
Asia, Central Asia, India, Egypt, and other regions.
HEISEIKAN: The Japanese Archaeology Gallery located on the 1st floor displays objects, such as dogu and haniwa clay figurines as well as
bronze bells, dating from the Paleolithic through to the Edo period; the Thematic Exhibition Room, also on the first floor, is used for thematicand educational displays.
The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures: This building exhibits objects selected from over 300 cultural properties donated to the Imperial family by
Horyuji Temple in Nara.
HYOKEIKAN: This building has been used for special exhibitions in recent years.
Kuroda Memorial Hall: This building was built through a bequest from one of the most renowned painters of modern Japan, Kuroda Seiki, andis used to exhibit his works.
●Thematic Exhibitions

Thematic exhibitions focus on specific themes and are held as part of the Museum’s regular exhibitions. The following are examples of thosescheduled for fiscal year 2016 (the dates given are tentative):
・Family Gallery: Come Together, Feline Friends of Tigers! (April 12–May 22, 2016)
・New Acquisitions to the Museum in Fiscal Year 2015 (May 17–July 10, 2016)
・Netsuke Toggles and Okimono Ornaments: The Tradition of Ivory Carving (June 7–July 31, 2016)
・Calligraphy of Fujiwara no Kozei: Its Popularity and Admiration through the Ages (August 23–October 2, 2016)●Special Viewings
・Goddess of the Jomon Period: A National Treasure Dogu Figurine (March 23–April 17, 2016)
・The Newly Discovered Portrait of Ito Mancio, a Japanese Ambassador to Europe (May 17–July 10, 2016)

Japanese Archaeology Gallery(Heiseikan, 1st floor)

Special Feature: Goddess of the
Jomon Period(March 23–April 17, 2016)

8 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016

Special Exhibition: Kuroda Seiki,
Master of Modern Japanese Painting:The 150th Anniversary of his Birth(March 23–May 15, 2016)

●Special Exhibitions
Special exhibitions are held to share the results of our research and to meet visitor demand. The following are examples of special exhibitions
scheduled for the fiscal year 2016:
・Kuroda Seiki, Master of Modern Japanese Painting: The 150th Anniversary of his Birth (March 23–May 15, 2016)
・Hidden Treasures from the National Museum, Kabul (April 12–June 19, 2016)
・50th Anniversary of the Normalization of Relations between Japan and the Republic of Korea: Smiling in Contemplation: Two Buddhas from Japanand Korea (June 21–July 10, 2016)
・A Journey to the Land of Immortals: Treasures of Ancient Greece (June 21–September 19, 2016)
・Hidden Buddha of Rakuyaji Temple, Shiga (September 13–December 11, 2016)
・1150th Anniversary of the Death of Rinzai Gigen (Linji Yixuan) and the 250th Anniversary of the Death of Hakuin Ekaku: The Art of Zen: From Mind
to Form (October 18–November 27, 2016)
・Eternal Treasures from Kasuga Taisha Shrine (January 17–March 12, 2017)●Overseas Exhibitions
・The Beauty of Mantra: Arts in the Collection of Daigoji Temple (May 11–July 10, 2016; Shanghai Museum, China)
・The Beauty of Mantra: Arts in the Collection of Daigoji Temple (July 27–September 20, 2016; Shaanxi History Museum, China)
・Ancient Paintings from Japan, China, and Korea (provisional title) (November 5–December 18, 2016; National Museum of China)・Masterpieces of Japanese Art: Selected Items from the Collections of the Tokyo National Museum and Kyushu National Museum (December 10,
2016–March 5, 2017; National Palace Museum, Taiwan)■Acquisition, Preservation, and Restoration
The Museum seeks to create a comprehensive display of Asian cultural properties with a focus on
Japan through the acquisition of works of art by purchase, gift, and loan. We also carry out a variety of collection management measures to allow deteriorated objects to be safely exhibited in the
future. These measures include enhancing gallery and storage environments, improving display andtransportation methods, conducting collection assessment, as well as performing about 100 full
restorations and 1,000 emergency treatments of works annually.

■Education
To provide a better museum experience for visitors, we offer opportunities for as many people aspossible to get to know the museum, and help them to develop a deeper understanding of Japanese and Asian culture. Through collaboration with schools and developing volunteer activities, we
strive to establish a pioneering model for engaging museum projects and promote effective educational programs that reflect our role as a leading museum in Japan.
○Providing learning opportunities
Lectures, gallery talks, workshops, “behind the scenes” tours introducing the museum’s preservation and restoration work, and exhibition-related events○Educational and thematic exhibits called “Family Galleries”○Collaboration with schools
School programs (art appreciation programs, work experience programs, and programs for visually impaired students) and teacher training○Partnerships with universities
Campus Members System and internship programs for graduate students○Volunteer activities
Assistance for educational activities and conservation projects, visitor information, and guided
tours

Kids’ Day (July 27, 2015)

Tactile map operated by volunteers
to provide visitor information■Research
We conduct research on cultural properties originating in Asia, with a focus on Japan. Researchoutcomes are reflected in the museum’s collection, preservation, and exhibition activities. Research is partially supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research and other grants for culturalactivities. Research conducted in fiscal year 2016 includes the following:・Research on the formation of the Museum’s Japanese dyed textiles collection and its art historical value・Research relating to Thematic Exhibitions such as Calligraphy of Fujiwara no Kozei: Its Popularity
and Admiration through the Ages
・Research on the digital archiving of cultural properties held in museum collections
・Special research projects on the Treasures of Horyuji Temple donated to the Imperial Householdin 1878: Calligraphy, applied arts, and sculpture

Brief History

1872: Opened as the Museum of the Ministry of Education, on the occasionof Japan’s first public exposition held by the ministry in the Yushima
Seido, Tokyo.
1875: Transferred to the Ministry of the Interior. The museum had eight
exhibition categories at this time: natural products, agriculture&
forestation, industrial technology, art, history, education, religion, andarmy andnavy
1882: Moved to the present location, a site formerly occupied by theheadquarters of kan’eiji tempru.
1889: Reorganized as the Imperial Museum under the supervision of theImperial Household Agency.
1900: Renamed the Tokyo Imperial Household Museum.
1909: Hyokeikan established.
1923: Former Honkan building destroyed in the Great Kanto Earthquake.
1925: Natural history collections transferred to the Tokyo Museum of
the Ministry of Education (present-day National Science Museum) andother institutions.
1938: Present Honkan building opened.
1947: Transferred to the Ministry of Education and renamed the National
Museum.
1952: Renamed the Tokyo National Museum.
1964: The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures (inaugural building) opened.
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs. Toyokan opened.
1984: The Shiryokan (the Research and Information Center) opened.
1999: The Gallery of Horyuji Treasures (current building) and Heiseikan
opened.
2001: Became the Independent Administrative Institution National Museums,
Tokyo National Museum.
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage as the Tokyo National Museum.

Research being undertaken as partof the Special Research Project(Calligraphy)

Facilities Land Aree（m2）
120,270（including the Kuroda Memorial Hall and the Yanase Villa）
Building Area

Buildings
Exhibition Buildings

22,438Gross Floor Area

Exhibition Area Total
Repository Area Total

72,222
18,1997,836

HonkanBuilding Area
Exhibition Area

6,602
6,573

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

22,416
4,028

Toyokan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

2,892
4,250

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

12,531
1,373

Heiseikan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

5,542
4,471

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

19,406
2,119

The Gallery of Horyuji
Treasures

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,935
1,462

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

4,031
291

Hyokeikan

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,130
1,179

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

2,077
0

Kuroda Memorial Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

724
264

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

1,996
25

OthersBuilding Area

3,613

Gross Floor Area

9,765

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016 9

Kyoto National Museum
The Kyoto National Museum collects, preserves, manages, and displays cultural properties, while also conducting research and educational activities. It focuses on culturalproperties from the Heian period to the Edo period, a time when Kyoto was the capitalof Japan.
Kyoto served as Japan’s Imperial capital for over 1,200 years, from the relocation of the capital in 794,
which marked the beginning of the Heian period, right through to the Meiji Restoration.
The Kyoto National Museum showcases numerous cultural assets that testify to the glory of the city’s
cultural heritage and presents Japan’s traditional culture to the world through various activities. We willcontinue to work towards the realization of the museum’s great mission of spreading awareness of Japanesetraditional culture throughout the globe. To this end, the museum strives to encourage people in all walks of life
to take an interest in and visit the museum. Our aim is to create a “people-centric museum” that is also a“museum with deep roots in the local community.” We would like our museum to be a place for education, aplace where people can relax, a place for lifelong learning, and also a place that will attract both domestic andoverseas tourists. The new Heisei Chishinkan Wing opened in September 2014. We anticipate that the newfacilities and functions of the Heisei Chishinkan Wing will help to make the Kyoto National Museum even more
popular with visitors.

SASAKI Johei
Executive Director
Kyoto National Museum■Exhibitions●Collection Galleries
The Collection Galleries in the Heisei Chishinkan Wing, which opened in September 2014, include
thematic galleries for ceramics, archeological relics, paintings, calligraphy, decorative and appliedarts, and sculpture. The galleries showcase some of the finest pieces from the museum’s 13,000
collection works（including works on long-term loan）, and enable visitors to experience some of themost outstanding examples of Kyoto’s unique cultural heritage. The works on display are changed
periodically, so visitors can expect to see different items on subsequent visits.
●Special Exhibitions
・Special Exhibition “The Art of Zen: From Mind to Form” (April 12–May 22, 2016)
・Special Exhibition “Sakamoto Ryōma: Japan’s Favorite Hero” (October 15–November 27, 2016)

Special Exhibitions“Kano Painters of the Momoyama
Period: Eitoku’s Legacy”(April 7–May 17, 2015)

Special Exhibitions“Rinpa: The Aesthetics of the Capital”

Heisei ChishinkanCollection Galleries(October 10–November 23, 2015)■Collection, Preservation, and Restoration of Cultural Properties
Since the museum’s establishment, numerous treasures from historical temples and shrines havebeen entrusted to the Kyoto National Museum. Meanwhile, the number of cultural properties in thecollection has increased yearly through purchases and donations, with a focus on art or archaeological items related to Kyoto culture. These cultural properties must be restored and preserved appropriately so that they may be enjoyed and appreciated by future generations. The Conservation Center for Cultural Properties, the first comprehensive conservation facility for cultural properties inJapan, was established in 1980 to meet that need.

■Educational Activities

The Conservation Center for Cultural
Properties

We undertake a variety of activities via our exhibitions, our website, and outreach to schools, in order to help people learn more about the museum’s
exhibitions and collections, and to stimulate interest and concern for cultural properties.

10 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016

○Activities held to enhance understanding of exhibition contents and exhibits
・The museum holds various lectures and seminars including the Saturday Lectures and Commemorative Lectures. It also operates the “Museum
Cart” hands-on experience booths (staffed by “Kyo-Haku Navigator” volunteers), and implements various types of workshops, as well as distributing
museum guide brochures, explanatory sheets, and the “Museum Dictionary,” etc.
○Activities held to stimulate interest in cultural properties
・The museum organizes summer lectures, symposiums and other lecture events, as well as arranging visits to elementary schools and junior highschools in Kyoto by “Cultural Property Sommeliers”
making use of high-resolution digital reproductions ofimportant works of art (Cultural Heritage Familiarization Classes), and organizing workshops in locations
outside the museum.
○The museum works closely with educational institutions, organizing collaborative events.
・The collaboration between the museum and the university sector includes the Campus Members System, the giving of lectures on historical, cultural andsociological topics by our curators at the Graduate
School of Human and Environmental Studies, Kyoto
University, and the training of “Cultural Property
Sommeliers,” as well as the holding of training sessions for visit-based learning activities and teacher
education.
Museum Children’s Club:○Support for volunteer activities
・Implementation of the “Kyo-Haku Navigator” and“Let’s Learn About Swords!”“Cultural Property Sommeliers” systems, and training(July 19 and July 20, 2015)of “Kyo-Haku Navigator” and “Cultural Property Som“Museum Cart” activity led bymelier” volunteers.
Kyo-Haku Navigators(2015)■Research

Since 1979, the museum has been implementing an ongoing, comprehensive survey of cultural assets owned by shrines and temples in Kyoto andthe vicinity, with the researchers of the museum’s Curatorial Board playing a particularly active role. In 2014–15, we carried out a three-day follow-up
survey of cultural properties held at the Chion-ji Temple in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, making some exciting discoveries, particularly in relation to handicrafts,
etc. We have also been undertaking an ongoing survey of paintings, calligraphy and handicrafts dating from the Early Modern and Modern eras from acollection housed in a private residence in Kaizuka City, Osaka Prefecture. Approximately half of these works have already been donated to themuseum, and it is hoped that more may be donated in the future. The museum also continues to undertake research on its collections; the research
results are reflected in the museum’s displays and published in the Kyoto National Museum Bulletin.

Cultural properties survey being carried out in a private residence in
Kaizuka City

“Rakugo at the Museum” at Kyoto
National Museum

Outdoor opera performance■Other Activities○Rakugo at the Museum
As part of the museum’s efforts to create a “people-centric museum”, Kyoto National Museum has launched the “Rakugo at the Museum” project
whereby performances of rakugo（traditional comic storytelling which originated in Kyoto）are held several times a year, highlighting seasonal themes.
Other concerts are also being planned.

Brief History

Facilities

1889: Established as the Imperial Museum of Kyoto under the supervision of
the Imperial Household Agency Ｍinistry
1897: First exhibition held
1900: Renamed as the Imperial Household Museum of Kyoto
1924: Donated to Kyoto City; renamed as the Imperial Gift Museum of Kyoto
1952: Transferred to the national government; renamed as the Kyoto National Museum
1966: Establishment of the Collections Hall
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
1969: The Special Exhibition Hall, Main Gate, ticket booth and fences aredesignated as an Important Cultural Property under the name of theFormer Imperial Museum of Kyoto
1973: The Saturday lecture series starts
1980: The Conservation Center for Cultural Properties established
2001: The South Gate constructed as part of the 100th Year Anniversary
Hall construction project（tentative name）
2001: Transformed into the Independent Administrative Institution National
Museum, Kyoto National Museum
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, as Kyoto National Museum
2009–Reconstruction begins on the former Collection Hall
2013–Construction of Heisei Chishinkan Wing（new Collection Hall）is completed in August
2014–Heisei Chishinkan Wing is scheduled to open in September

Land Area

2

（m ）
			

Buildings

Building Area

Exhibition Buildings

13,517Gross Floor Area

Exhibition Area Total
Repository Area Total

53,182
31,828
5,657
5,421

Special Exhibition Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

3,015
2,070

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

3,015
803

Heisei Chishinkan Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

5,568
3,587

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

17,9972,710

Former Administration
Building
Building Area

590

Gross Floor Area

1,954

Materials Building

Building Area

414

Gross Floor Area

1,125

Conservation Center for
Cultural Properties
Building Area

728

Gross Floor Area

2,856Technical Materials
CenterBuilding Area

101

Gross Floor Area

304

East Repository

1,084
Building Area
			

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

1,996
1,412

North Repository

310
Building Area
			

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

682
496

OthersBuilding Area

1,707

Gross Floor Area

1,899

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016 11

Nara National Museum
Nara National Museum collects, preserves, manages and displays cultural properties,
while also conducting research and providing educational programs. The focus is on
Buddhist art and the cultural properties of Nara.
Since its opening in 1895, with the cooperation of temples and shrines of the Nara region, the Nara
National Museum has been engaged in collecting, preserving, and conducting research and educational
programs on cultural properties mainly associated with Buddhism. Through these activities, the museum has
introduced to the public the high artistic value and historical background of Japanese Buddhist culture, uniquein its fusion with indigenous beliefs. Keeping in mind that various cultural properties are tied together in an
organic whole with the historical and cultural landscape of Nara, we will continuously strive to promote themuseum’s international activities and the more effective use of information technology in order to reach a wide
range of people as a conveyor of Nara’s culture.

■Exhibitions●Buddhist Art Exhibitions

YUYAMA Ken'ichi
Executive Director
Nara National Museum

As well as special exhibitions and feature exhibitions, the museum also exhibits distinguished masterworks of
Buddhist art including many designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties. The Nara Buddist Sculpture Hall features ”Masterpiece Exhibition”, which displays exceptional Buddist statues representative of the history of Japanese sculpture from the Asuka to the Kamakura period, dating from around the 7th
century to the mid-14th century. The West Wing houses ”Masterpiece of Buddhist Art” whichintroduces theessence of Japanese Buddhist art through selected items of painting, decorativeart,calligraphy and artifacts. In
addition, thematic exhibitions from the permanent collectionareoccasionally held for themes that lie outside a
specific genre.

●Feature Exhibitions
Feature exhibitions are medium-scale exhibitions organized to explore a specific theme.
・Washi—The Birth of Modern Japanese Handmade Paper (June 7–July 3, 2016)
・On-Matsuri and the Sacred Art of Kasuga (December 10, 2016–January 15, 2017)
・Treasures of Todaiji’s Omizutori Ritual (February 7–March 14, 2017)●Special Exhibitions
・The National Treasure Illustrated Scrolls of the Legends of Shigisan—Treasures of Chōgosonshiji Temple and Faith in Bishamontennō (April 9–May
22, 2016)
・Special Exhibition Commemorating the 800th Anniversary of the birth of Ninshō—“The Buddhist Monk Ninshō: A Life Devoted to Salvation” (July 23–
September 19, 2016)
・The 68th Annual Exhibition of Shōsō-in Treasures (Late October-Early November, 2016) (Tentative)

Special Exhibition “Ancient Sutras
from the Heian Period: Encounteringthe Legendary Kunōji Sutras”(April 7–May 17, 2015)

Special Exhibition Celebrating the120th Anniversary of the Nara National Museum: “Hakuhō—The First
Full Flowering of Buddhist Art in Japan”

Special Exhibition “The 67th Annual
Exhibition of Shōsō-in Treasures”(October 24–November 9, 2015)(July 18–September 23, 2015)■Collection, Preservation and Restoration ofCultural Properties
We strive to collect tangible cultural properties, which are valuable assets for the people of Japan,
by purchase, donation and loan.
We work to maintain the environment for our collections with meticulous care, by constantly
controlling the temperature and humidity in our exhibition and storage areas.
Most Japanese cultural properties are made of extremely fragile materials such as paper andwood. Therefore, the museum must take proactive steps to preserve these objects for future
generations. For this reason, in 2002 we established the Conservation Center for Cultural Properties
to Conservation of lacquer by restorers handle restoration projects.

12 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016

“Amida (Amitābha) Coming Over the
Mountain” (painting from the Museum’s collection) with protective facing

■Educational Programs
We promote a variety of educational programs to increase the understanding of the importanceof cultural properties.
①Collection and distribution of information and materials concerning cultural properties②Programs for students
Ex: World heritage classes (mainly for elementary school students) and educational lectures forteachers③Lectures and seminars
Ex: Public lectures, Sunday museum talks, summer seminar series, the Shōsō-in academic symposium, and international symposia④Cooperation with universities and colleges
Ex: Campus Members System, internship programs, and joint lectures with Nara Women’s University and Kobe University and joint lectures with Nara Women’s University and Kobe University⑤Promotion of volunteer activities■Research and Survey Activities
We consider research into cultural properties to be the most important activity supporting thefoundations of the Nara National Museum as a research institution. Reflected in the museum’s
masterpiece exhibitions and special exhibitions, the results of research are utilized in our exhibition activities. In fiscal year 2016 the Nara National Museum will conduct the following thematic
research:①Research on collection items, items on loan to the museum, and related items②Research on Buddhist paintings using advanced optical technologies for the creation of reproductions③Comprehensive research on the Heian period Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra④Comprehensive survey of Buddhist arts and crafts and ancient arts and crafts⑤Research on artifacts excavated from ancient tombs⑥Research to accompany thematic exhibitions⑦Research to accompany special exhibitions, etc.
⑧Research on the art of sculpture in ancient and medieval Nara
⑨Research on Buddhist art using optical technologies, conducted in collaboration with the National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo.
⑩Research into the effects on cultural properties of storage area environments, exhibition spaces
and display cases⑪Research on collections and objects loaned to the museum, from the perspective of cultural asset restoration⑫Research on collections and objects loaned to the museum, from the perspective of conservation science⑬Research to contribute to educational programs in history and traditional culture

Volunteer activity

Scene from the venue of the“Hakuhō—History and Culture” summer lecture

Survey in progress (Calligraphy)

Concert to Celebrate the 120th Anniversary of the Establishment of
the Nara National Museum

Brief History

1889: Established as the Imperial Museum of Nara under the supervision of
the Imperial Household Ministry
1895: First exhibition held
1900: Renamed as the Imperial Household Museum of Nara
1914: Establishment of the Shōsō-in Department
1947: Supervision transferred to the Ministry of Education
1950: Affiliated with the National Commission for the Protection of Cultural
Properties
1952: Renamed as the Nara National Museum
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
1972: Completion of the West Wing
1980: Establishment of the Buddhist Art Library
1995: Celebration of the museum’s centennial anniversary
1997: Completion of the East Wing and the lower level passageway
2000: Completion of the Conservation Center for Cultural Properties
2001: Becomes the Independent Administrative Institution National Museum,
Nara National Museum
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage, as the Nara National Museum
2016: Nara Buddhist Sculpture Hall reopening after restoration

Facilities

（m2）

Land Area				

Buildings

Building Area

Exhibition Buildings

6,769

			
			

Gross Floor Area

78,76019,116

Exhibition Area Total 4,079
Repository Area Total 1,558

Nara Buddhist Sculpture
Hall

Building Area
Exhibition Area

Ritual Bronzes Gallery

Building Area
Exhibition Area

East Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,825
875

Gross Floor Area
Repository Area

6,389
1,394

West Wing

Building Area
Exhibition Area

1,649 Gross Floor Area
1,473		

5,396

1,512
1,261

Gross Floor Area

1,512

341 Gross Floor Area
470		

664

Buddhist Art Library

Building Area

718

Gross Floor Area

718

Conservation Center for
Cultural Properties

Building Area

319

Gross Floor Area

1,036

Lower Level
Passageway

Gross Floor Area

2,152

Repository Area

164

405

Gross Floor Area

1,249

OthersBuilding Area

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016 13

Kyushu National Museum
Kyushu National Museum collects, preserves, manages and displays cultural properties, while also conducting research and providing educational programs. The focus ison cultural properties related to Japan’s cultural exchanges with other Asian regions.
Kyushu, the westernmost main island of Japan, which is situated close to continental Asia, has been
the stage for vibrant exchanges of people and objects since ancient times. Delegations from overseas werewelcomed at the Dazaifu Government Office, which was situated near the museum’s current location. Thishistorical background, and the aspirations of the people of Kyushu, led to the establishment, in 2005 in Dazaifu
City, Fukuoka, of a national museum that focuses on the development of Japanese culture in relation to thesurrounding Asian regions. Last year, the Museum celebrated the 10th anniversary of its opening.
The Museum has now received a cumulative total of over 13 million visitors since it first opened. The last
few years have seen a pronounced increase in the number of visitors from China, Korea, Vietnam and Thailand.
In the future, the Museum will continue to carry out a wide range of research work and other activities
aimed at furthering mutual understanding between Asian cultures, while also striving to be a museum that isrelevant to, and of value to, the local community.

■Exhibitions
SHIMATANI Hiroyuki
Executive Director
Kyushu National Museum●Cultural Exchange Exhibition（Permanent Exhibition）

In order to provide our visitors with opportunities to experience new works each time they visit, the Cultural Exchange Exhibition holds the Feature Exhibitions which change periodically. We also strive to create more dynamic andin-depth exhibitions through the usage of videos and hands-on displays.

●Feature Exhibitions（Thematic Exhibitions）

Cultural Exchange Exhibition(Permanent Exhibition)

Feature Exhibition “Buried
Treasures of Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine”
January 1–February 28, 2016

We also feature creative displays based on regionally specific themes in the Cultural Exchange Exhibition. Thematic
exhibitions scheduled for fiscal year 2016 are as follows:
・The Matchlock Guns of Japan (July 12–September 4, 2016)
・ALL-JAPAN HIGH SCHOOL ARCHAEOLOGICAL LEGACY 2016 (July 20–September 25, 2016)
・Commemorating the ARITA Porcelain 400th Anniversary: Imari wares in the life of established families (provisional
title) (September 14–November 6, 2016)
・Harunotsuji, ruins of the maritime royal city, and masterpieces from Iki Island, Nagasaki Prefecture—Its history ofinterchanges with East Asian countries— (provisional title) (October 11–December 4, 2016)
・Glittering Decoration—A Collection of Outstanding Examples of Mother-of-pearl Work (provisional title) (November
15–December 23, 2016)
・Special New Year Display: National Treasure Hatsune Bridal Makie Lacquer Furnishings From The Tokugawa Art
Museum (January 1–29, 2017)●Special Exhibitions
Special exhibitions aims to provide opportunities that both newcomers and experts can enjoy alike. Special exhibitions scheduled for fiscal year 2016 are as follows:
・The Great Terracotta Army of China’s First Emperor (March 15–June 12, 2016)
・Kaii Higashiyama: Nature, Men and Towns (July 16–August 28, 2016)
・Kosan-ji Temple and Myoe: Special Exhibit of Choju-jinbutsu giga (Scroll Paintings Frolicking Animals) (October 4–
November 20, 2016)
・Okinoshima Island in Munakata City and the Yamato Court (provisional title) (January 1–March 5, 2017)■Collection, Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Properties●Collection

The Museum puts an emphasis on collecting artifacts such as artwork, archeological materials, historical
documents and folk materials that help visitors more easily understand the cultural exchanges between Japanand the rest of Asia. Moreover,in an effort to further improve displays and exhibitions, we proactively invite variousorganizations, temples, shrines and individuals to lend or donate their cultural properties to us.

●Preservation

Special Exhibition “Japan,
Country of Beauty”
October 18–November 29, 2015

The “storage rooms” of the Museum are where important cultural properties are preserved and stored. They arelocated in the heart of the building and the box-like space features a double walled structure. The air conditioning
facilities also utilize a constant temperature humidistat, which allows the temperature and humidity of the storage
area to be maintained at a stable level. Additionally, the walls and ceiling of each storage room are made from Kyushu
cedars, which help ensure an appropriate humidity level even if air conditioning facilities fail. The Museum installed
the “seismic isolation structure” to prevent cultural properties from toppling over during earthquakes. One uniquefeature of the seismically isolated building, compared to installing seismic isolation devices above ground, is that thebuilding does not receive direct impact in the event of an earthquake. The building thus sways slowly and this helps
protect the cultural properties.

●Restoration

The six conservation and restoration facilities at the Museum（respectively specializing in: the production of paperand other materials used for repair; historical materials, calligraphy and documents; paintings; sculptures; archaeologicalartifacts; and lacquerware）work in collaboration with the Museum’s Science Division, combining traditional methods
with scientific research technology. The staff, well experienced in the restoration of Japan’s designated culturalproperties, conduct projects actively through discussions with curators from fields such as history, art, decorative
arts, archaeology and other related areas. The latest technological equipment such as fluorescent X-ray analyzing
devices and X-ray CT scanners are also utilized in the scientific analysis of cultural properties to be restored.

14 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016

■Educational and Exchange Activities●Educational Activities① Interactive Exhibition Gallery “Ajippa” showcases the various cultures of regions that had historically interacted with Japan. Other efforts include
areas such as educational kits development, visitor experience programs, and collaborative programs with other educational institutions.
② Educational programs in association with special exhibitions and the Cultural Exchange Exhibition (permanent exhibition)
・Programs to improve exhibition understanding
・Conducting of workshops
・Production of guidebooks③ “Kyupack” - educational kits to be used in secondary schools④ Campus Members System to strengthen ties with universities and other higher educational institutions⑤ Educational activities based on “Kyushu National Museum’s picture books” for children⑥ Supporting volunteer activities
We encourage various volunteer activities at the museum in areas including exhibition explanations,educational programs, guided tours（including behind the scenes ”Backyard Tours”）, the environment,
events, and Data compilation.

Volunteer Program: Kyushu
National Museum Children’s
Festival●Exchange Activities①Implementing exchange projects in cooperation with local enterprises for more effective utilization of museum facilities.
②Promoting exchange among Asian museums
Conclusion of cultural exchange agreements with the Buyeo National Museum (Korea), the Gonguju National Museum (Korea), The Korea National
University of Cultural Heritage, the Nanjing Museum (China), the Museum of Inner Mongolia (China), Chinese Center for Cultural Exchange, Sichuan
Museum (Chengdu, China) the Vietnam National Museum of History, and the Fine Arts Department of the Ministry of Culture (Thailand)③Hosting international symposia
Asian Museum Directors’ Summit Meeting (October 18, 2015)■Research and Survey Activities

Pigment survey involved in
restoration work on “Portrait ofHippocrates,” an importantwork of art

The results of research concerning our main theme of “Cultural Exchange between Japan and AsianCountries” and scientific research on conservation and restoration of cultural properties are actively utilized
for our collection, preservation and exhibition activities. Part of our research is financially supported by thegovernment-funded Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research（KAKENHI）and other private grants for culturalactivities.
・Research on using X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning to analyze the structure of bronze vessels,
sculptures, lacquer-ware, etc.
・Research on archaeological materials held in high schools
・Research on the preservation and utilization of underwater archaeological sites
・Research on the history and arts of Thailand
・Research relating to thematic exhibitions and special exhibitions, including “The Matchlock Guns of Japan”
and “Glittering Decoration—A Collection of Outstanding Examples of Mother-of-pearl Work” (provisional title)
・Research on showing films in super-high-definition movie theaters that utilize precise imaging technology
・Research on and development of the “Kyu-paku” school loan kit, aimed at strengthening collaboration within-school teaching・B asic research on the establishment of an integrated pest management (IPM) system emphasizing
collaboration with the general public as part of museum crisis management efforts■Publications
The museum produces publications to promote a wider understanding of our activitiesi） Tofu-seisei（Research Bulletin）: This bulletin summarizes the results of the Museum’s investigative research efforts（published annually）
ii） Asiage（Visual guide）: A guide providing information on Cultural Exchange Exhibition (permanent exhibition) in an accessible format
	Asiage（Quarterly magazine）: An information magazine focusing on the Cultural Exchange Exhibition and special exhibitions（released quarterly)iii）iv）	Picture Book Series: The Museum produces original picture books for children about Japanese history format to encourage understanding andfamiliarity.

Brief History

1994: The Agency for Cultural affairs（ACA）organized the “committee toinvestigate the establishment of a new concept-based museum (theCommittee)”.
1996: ACA decided the new museum should be established as the Kyushu
National Museum（provisional title）in Dazaifu, Fukuoka.
1997: The Committee drew up the “basic framework for Kyushu National Museum（provisional title）”.
1999: The Committee made the “basic plan for Kyushu National Museum（provisional title）”.
2000: ACA, Fukuoka Prefecture, and the Kyushu National Museum Promotion
Foundation（the Foundation）jointly formulated the “basic construction
design” for the Museum.
The ACA and Fukuoka Prefecture jointly organized “experts conference
for the establishment of Kyushu National Museum (provisional title)”
developed the “permanent exhibition plan”.
2001: ACA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation jointly completed the “basic exhibition design”.
The Independent Administrative Institution National Museum (the National Museum) established the “preparatory office for the establishment of the Kyushu National Museum”.
2002: ACA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation jointly launched the “construction works (the first year of a three-year plan)”.
2003: The National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture launched the “preparation of the exhibitions (the first year of a two-year plan”.
2004: ACA, Fukuoka Prefecture and the Foundation completed the “construction works”.
ACA, the National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture officially named
the Museum as “Kyushu National Museum”.
2005: The National Museum and Fukuoka Prefecture completed the “prepara-tion of the exhibitions”.
The National Museum formally established the Kyushu National Museum.
Kyushu National Museum opened to the public on 16 October.
2007: The Kyushu National Museum was merged into the IAI National Institutes for Cultural Heritage（NICH）.
2008: Japan-China-ROK Trilateral Summit Meeting was held at the Kyushu
National Museum.
2012: Kyushu National Museum welcomed its 10 millionth visitor.
2015: 10th anniversary

Facilities
Land Area
Building（m2）
NICH
Building Area
NICH

Exhibition and Reposito- Exhibition Area Total
Prefecturery Area
Repository Area Total
Prefecture

10,798
14,623
9,300
5,444
1,375
4,518
1,335

Prefecture

166,477
155,679

Gross Floor Area
Prefecture
Shared Area

30,675  5,780
15,595NICH 3,844
Shared Area 225
NICH 2,744
Shared Area 439

The land and buildings are co-owned by Fukuoka Prefecture and the institution.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016 15

National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo

KAMEI Nobuo
Director General
National ReseachInstitute for Cultural
Properties, Tokyo

The National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo, in the implementation of its role ofsupporting the work of the government in the administration of cultural properties, conducts fundamental,
systematic, up-to-date and practical research on all types of cultural properties, both tangible and intangible. It
actively disseminates the results of such research, provides guidance and advice to local public organizations
regarding the preservation of cultural properties, and conducts international cooperation activities, withdifferent countries in Asia and other regions of the world, on the protection of cultural properties through thetrainings of personnel and the transferring of conservation and restoration techniques.
The priority areas on which the Institute is focusing in its survey and research work are outlined below:
Firstly, the Institute is working to build up comprehensive archives from the various types of research results,
basic databases and source materials that the Institute has collected over the years. In addition, in theconservation science field, the Institute promotes coordinated projects with the Independent Administrative
Institution National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, of which the Institute forms a part, with respect to surveys
and research relating to the preservation, restoration and publication of museum materials. Thirdly, in regard
to intangible cultural heritage, the Institute collects basic data and materials nationwide, focusing mainly on
performing arts and traditional techniques, and makes them available to the public, etc.
Besides the above activities, the Institute operates the secretariat office of the Japan Consortiumfor International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage, a base organization for promoting the coordination andcollaboration of Japan's contribution in this area.

■Organization●Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems
The Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems collects, preserves,
collates and publicizes information relating to cultural properties, with the aim of expanding
the scope of cultural property archives, and also undertakes research on the developmentof effective methods for the transmission of information. At the same time, the Department
also aims to realize a new kind of information science through measures tackling issues ofcontemporary relevance in the fields of cultural properties studies and art history research,etc. The Department also builds on the results obtained in these activities in managing theinformation systems and public relations activities of the Institute as a whole.

Research on letters sent to Kuroda Seiki (akey figure in the development of Westernstyle painting in 19th century Japan)●Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage
The Department of Intangible Cultural Heritage conducts basic research useful for theconservation and transmission of Japan’s intangible cultural heritage, which includes intangible
cultural properties, intangible folk-cultural properties, and techniques for preserving culturalproperties. Audiovisual documentation, a significant Method for the conservation of intangible
cultural heritage, is conducted and new methods of documentation are also investigated.

Traditional storytellers Mr. ICHIRYUSAI
Teisui (left) and Mr. KANDA Shori (right)●Center for Conservation Science
The Center for Conservation Science uses scientific methods to study and evaluate
environmental conditions and characteristics of cultural properties. It also conducts research
into materials, manufacturing techniques and the surrounding conditions of cultural properties
in order to develop and evaluate necessary materials and techniques for their restoration, anddevelop methods for their maintenance after restoration. Moreover, the center works closelywith those who are actually engaged in the conservation and restoration of cultural properties
and their owners.

Survey by portable X-ray diffraction analyzer●Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation
The Japan Center for International Cooperation in Conservation renders assistance to various
countries in Asian and other regions of the world through the conservation and restoration
projects of cultural heritage including technical transfer and human resource development.
It also promotes the cooperative networks with other relevant institutions, domestic andinternational, by organizing seminars and meetings. Collection and dissemination of information
on cultural heritage and its protection systems is another important task of the Center.
The center is commissioned with the management of the secretariat for the Japan
Consortium for International Cooperation in Cultural Heritage.

16 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016

Practical training session on the preparation of materials used for restoration ofmural paintings (No. 1205 temple, Bagan,
Myanmar)■Seminars, Advice and Guidance
The National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo conducts various seminars and provides advice and guidance for the protection
and utilization of cultural properties. Seminars and projects include International Courses on Conservation of Japanese Paper, Training for Museum
Curators in Charge of Conservation, Advice on safeguarding Intangible Cultural Properties, Inspection Assistance and Advice on the Museum
Environments, and Investigation and Advice Concerning Conservation of Cultural Properties.

Workshop of conservation of Japanese Artworks on Paper and Silk

Training for museum curators■Graduate School Education and Public Lectures
The National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo provides the results of its research to the public in
the hope of nurturing the next generation of experts and raising public interest. The institute has collaborated with
the Tokyo University of the Arts since 1995 and is in charge of its Preventive Conservation Course. In the public
lectures, the Department of Art Research, Archives and Information Systems, and the Department of Intangible
Cultural Heritage present their research achievements every year.

■Dissemination of Research Information

The 49th Public Lecture

The National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo is engaged in
actively communicating with the public and making the results of its diverse activities
accessible, including those of research and international cooperation. Publications
such as the Annual Report, Leaflet for the 8th Public Profile and TOBUNKENNEWS
are published, and the website of the institute is updated constantly

TOBUNKEN Resear ch
Collections（http://www.
tobunken.go.jp/archives/）■Publications
The National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo publishes periodicals such as The Bijutsu Kenkyu (The Journal of Art Studies), Yearbook of Japanese Art, Research and Reports on Intangible Cultural Heritage and Science for Conservation. It also publishes the results of various additional research studies

The Bijutsu Kenkyu(Journal of Art Studies)

Brief History

Yearbook of Japanese Art

1930: Established as the institute of Art Research. an auxiliary organizationof the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts
1947: Affiliated with the national Museum
1950: Affiliated with the national Commission for Protection of Cultural Properties
1952: Reorganized and renamed as Tokyo Research Institute of Cultural
Properties
1954: Renamed as Tokyo national Institute of Cultural Properties
1968: Affiliated with the Agency for Cultural Affairs
2000: Construction of new offices
2001: Restructured as the Independent Administrative Institute National
Research Institute for Cultural Properties Tokyo
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage, as National Research Institute for
Cutural Properties.Tokyo

Research and Reports
on Intangible Cultural
Heritage

Facilities
Land Area
Building

Science for Conservation

（m2）

		
Building Area
Gross Floor Area

4,181

2,258
10,516

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016 17

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties
Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, an organization that engages in the study of tangible cultural heritage, has conducted excavation research at the Nara and Fujiwara Palace sites, investigatedcultural objects（such as historical documents, ancient architecture and gardens）and has also made efforts
to preserve the Asuka region through its research and exhibition programs. These activities contribute to academic exchanges, international support and the study of cultural heritage in Japan and abroad. For example,
they have resulted in ongoing joint research partnerships with institutes in China and Korea. We also endeavor
to develop new excavation technology and research methods as well as to provide technical training for local
government specialists.
Our methods of preservation, restoration and maintenance that we developed to protect historical sites are
not only appreciated by researchers in Japan, but are also utilized in excavations globally. Our research activities are supported by our own interdisciplinary joint research in different fields. It is our responsibility to maximize the results of our efforts in the research and preservation of cultural properties.

MATSUMURA Keiji
Director General
Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties●Department of Planning and Coordination
The work of the Department of Planning and Coordination is assigned to five sections: the Planning and Coordination Section, the Data and Information Section, the International Cooperation
Section, the Exhibition Section and the Photography Section. These sections plan and organize
professional training programs for cultural heritage workers at local government agencies and other organizations, organize data systems and enhance related databases, arrange international joint
research projects and engage in international cooperation on archaeological sites, exhibit research
results at the Nara Palace Site Museum, and carry out photography and the development of newtechnology.

Nara Palace Site Museum, Autumn
Special Exhibition●Department of Cultural Heritage
The Department of Cultural Heritage consists of the Historical Document Section, the Architectural History Section, the Cultural Landscape Section and the Site Stabilization Section. Thesesections conduct specialist and comprehensive research in the following areas respectively: calligraphy, ancient books and historical documents; historical and traditional architecture; culturallandscapes; and the maintenance of archaeological sites and historical gardens. The research
activities conducted by each section contribute, in a practical manner, to governmental activities
concerning the protection of cultural properties, such as the designation, selection, registration,conservation and management of properties. The Department also collaborates with, and provides
advice for, local public entities in regard to cultural property administration.

Providing guidance during restoration
work on an archeological site

●Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations
The Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations is organized in five sections: the Archaeology Sections 1, 2 and 3, the History Section, and the Architectural Feature Section. These sections undertake interdisciplinary research on the basis of archeological excavations of ancient palaces, temples, tombs located in the Heijo area and in the Asuka and Fujiwara area. The research
results are publicized through presentations, reports and exhibitions; this research also contributes
to the preservation and effective utilization of these archeological remains.

【Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations（Heijo）】
This Department is in charge of excavation research at the Nara Palace Site (Special HistoricSite), where the imperial palace and government offices were located in the Nara period（710-784）.
Systematic research has been in progress since 1959 and over one-third of the 130 hectare site
has been excavated and surveyed so far. The finds from excavation at the sites of the palace andancient temples, such as architectural remains, wooden strips（used for writing messages on）,
earthenware vessels and ceramic tiles, have been verified with reference to historical records; thisempirical research on the Nara period undertaken by the Department has won widespread plaudits.
The Department also provides the results of its research on the Nara Palace Site to the Ministryof Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism（MLIT）as basic data to support the maintenance ofthe national Nara Palace Site Historical Park.

First excavation survey of the arcadeon the western side of the Daigokuden(Great Hall of State) forming part of
the Heijo Palace (Imperial Palace)【Department of Imperial Palace Sites Investigations（Asuka and Fujiwara）】
The Department is in charge of excavation research on the Asuka and Fujiwara area that constituted Japan’s political, economic and cultural center during the period between the 7th and early
8th centuries when the Japanese state was coming into being. The sites in the Asuka district
include: palaces and the residences of elite clans; the sites of temples such as Asukadera temple（the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan）; a workshop that produced ancient coins and glass; a water clock; and various tombs. To the north lies the site of the Fujiwara capital, the first large-scale
castle city in Japan, covering a vast area of more than five square kilometers. The interdisciplinary,
empirical research being conducted based on the excavations of these sites in the Asuka andFujiwara areas has made a major contribution towards helping to clarify the historical record of the
Asuka period.

18 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016

Excavation survey of the central
courtyard of the Daigokuden (GreatHall of State) forming part of the
Fujiwara Palace Site

●Center for Archaeological Operations
The Center for Archaeological Operations consists of four sections, which undertake the research activities noted below. The Conservation Science Section studies and develops analyticalmethods for investigating the material and structure of archaeological objects in order to conduct
appropriate conservation and restoration work. The Environmental Archaeology Section studies
the remains of flora and fauna in order to simulate ancient environments and nature. The Dating
Section is advancing research in how to apply the methods of dendrochronology to the fields of archaeology, architectural history etc. The Archaeological Research Methodology Section researches technology for studying cultural properties as well as for measuring and surveying archaeological sites, and also undertakes disaster archeology research.

Survey using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) at the Itsukahara Kofun(burial tumulus) site (in Muko City,
Kyoto Prefecture)●Asuka Historical Museum
The Asuka Historical Museum, a facility displaying historical materials from the Asuka area, wasestablished in 1975. The museum’s regular exhibitions display items excavated from palaces,stone structures, tombs and temple sites. The reconstructed portion of the eastern cloister of
Yamadadera temple and objects excavated around its site are also exhibited. The museum’s special exhibitions, held twice a year in spring and autumn, feature the unearthed cultural propertiesof the Asuka area and explore the history of the Asuka period. Special Feature Exhibitions are heldin summer and winter to showcase the multi-faceted research achievements of the Nara National
Research Institute for Cultural Properties.

Asuka Historical Museum●International Academic Exchange
Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties contributes to international exchange
and collaboration through activities such as joint research, exchange of researchers, technicaltraining, and conservation and restoration. It also participates in international cooperation projects
conducted by other institutions such as ACCU (Asia-Pacific Cultural Centre for UNESCO).
Ongoing projects are as follows: (1) Joint research with the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
into the Northern Wei Luoyang capital site, an ancient capital of the Northern Wei dynasty; (2)Joint research with the Archaeological Institute of Henan Province, China into the Huangye andBaihe kiln sites located in the city of Gongyi; (3) Joint research with the Archaeological Institute of
Liaoning Province, China into sites of the Eastern Jin and Sixteen Kingdoms era; (4) A comparative
study with the National Research Institute of Cultural Heritage, Korea, of ancient capitals of Japanand Korea, together with human resource exchanges at excavation projects; (5) Research and aconservation project, undertaken with Cambodia’s Authority for the Protection and Management of
Angkor and the Region of Siem Reap (APSARA), at the Western Prasat Top, one of the historicalsites of Angkor, together with human resource development; (6) Research exchange with Columbia
University in the U.S.A. We have also been commissioned by the Agency for Cultural Affairs tocollaborate with the Department of Archaeology, National Museum and Library, Ministry of Culture,
Myanmar on technology transfer and human resources development in the field of archaeology,
especially methods of excavating archaeological sites and investigating artifacts from the site.

Brief History

1952: Nara Cultural Properties Research Institute（consisting of the General
Affairs Division, the Historical Research Division, the Architecture
Research Division, and the Art Research Division）is established at
50 Kasugano-cho, Nara City, as an auxiliany
		 Organization of the National Commission for the Properties
1954: Renamed as the Nara National Culttiral Palace Site in Sakihigashi _machi, Nara City
1963: Heijo Palace Site Investigation Division is established
1968: Affillated with the Agency for Culthural Affairs（establish 1968）
1970: Nara Palace Site Museum opened
1973: Finance Section. Asuka/Fujiwara Palace Site Investigation Division.
And Asuka Historical Museum estabilished
1974: Department of General Affairs and the Center for Archaeological
Operations established
1975: Asuka Historical Museum opened at Okuyama in Asuka village. Nara
1980: Art Research Division transferred to the Research Center for Buddhist
Art. Nara National Museum
1980: Relocated to Nijo_cho. Nara City.
Heijo Palace Site In vestigation Division And the Center for
Archaeclogical operations are transferred together to the new site
1988: New headquarters building of Asuka/Fujiwara Palace Site Investigation
Division built at 94-1 Kinomoto- cho. Kashihara City
2001: Restructured as the Independent Administrative Institution National
Research Institute for Cultural Properties. Nara
2007: Integrated into the Independent Administrative Institution National
Institute for Cultural Heritage. As the Nara National Research Institute
For Cultural Properties.
2013: Reiocated to temporary Premises Iocated at 247-1 Saki-cho. Nara
City. While the original head office site is being redeveloped.

International project for conservationof Western Prasat Top, Angkor

Facilities

（m2）
Land Area

Building

Area of Headquarters
8,860

Building Area
Gross Floor Area
Currently under reconstruction

Area of Nara Palace Site
MuseumLocated on government-owned Building Arealand, rent fees waivered Gross Floor Area

13,32821,395

Area of Department of Imperial
Palace Sites Investigations(Asuka and Fujiwara)

Building Area
20,515 Gross Floor Area

6,016
9,477

Area of Asuka HistoricalMuseumBuilding Area
17,093 Gross Floor Area

2,657
4,404

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016 19

International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region（IRCI）
At the UNESCO General Conference of October 2009, approval was given to Japan to establish aninternational centre for intangible cultural heritage in the Asia-Pacific region. After the Japanese government
concluded an agreement with UNESCO in August 2010, the International Research Centre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region (IRCI) was founded in Sakai City, in October 2011, as a Category 2
Centre under the auspices of UNESCO (institutions that serve to contribute to the achievement of UNESCO’s
strategic objectives).
IRCI’s objectives are to promote the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural
Heritage (ICH) and its implementation, and to enhance the safeguarding of ICH through instigating, facilitating,and coordinating research in the Asia-Pacific region. To achieve these objectives, IRCI works in cooperation
with research institutions, museums, community representatives, NGOs and governmental organizations in
the region. Today, many elements of ICH are endangered throughout the world due to the various factors.

IWAMOTO Wataru

IRCI collaborates with universities and research institutions in Japan and the Asia-Pacific region to promoteresearch on the practices and methodologies of ICH safeguarding.

Director-General
International ResearchCentre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the
Asia – Pacific Region■Activities in FY 2015
IRCI’s activities are in accordance with its medium-term programme endorsed by the IRCI
Governing Board, which are also in line with UNESCO’s strategic objectives. IRCI aims to promoteresearch for ICH safeguarding through its activities, following the research focuses as listed
below, while contributing to the enhancement of ICH safeguarding with Japan’s long-term
experiences on cultural heritage management.
1.

Mapping research for ICH safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region

2.

Practical and methodological research for safeguarding endangered ICH

3.

Collaboration with Sakai City for promoting ICH, within the framework of IRCI’s mandate

In FY 2015, IRCI conducted the following activities:●Activity Focus 1: Mapping Research for ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region
1. International Experts Meeting of the Project “Mapping Research on the Safeguarding ofIntangible Cultural Heritage in the Asia-Pacific Region”
IRCI held an international meeting with experts from 11 countries in the Asia-Pacificregion to discuss current conditions and issues related to ICH safeguarding research (8-9
December 2015, Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic).
2.

Research Database on ICH Safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific Region
For the purpose of making widely available the research information collected in the past

International experts meeting of mapping
project (December 2015, Bishkek, Kyrgyz
Republic)

years, IRCI released an online research database on 25 September 2014, which currently
consists of approximately 1,300 entries (http://ichdb-irci.org/).
●Activity Focus 2: Practical and Methodological Research for Safeguarding Endangered ICH
1. Study of Legal Systems Related to Intangible Cultural Heritage in the Greater Mekong Region
Many countries in the Mekong region have difficulties in developing legal systems related
to ICH safeguarding. Therefore, this project aims to meet the demands of such countries
and strengthen the legal and policy framework related to ICH safeguarding in the region.
IRCI in collaboration with Kyushu University (Graduate School of Law) held a workshop
on current legal conditions and related analysis, attended by researchers and law related
government officials from 8 countries in the region such as Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar(17-19 December 2015, Toyama Prefectural Civic Center, Toyama). Toyama Prefecture
also cooperated in this workshop, as a local government known for its efforts in revitalizing
traditional handicrafts. In the future, this project aims to establish a toolkit as a referencematerial for developing legal framework, as well as to conduct comparative research among
countries within the region.

20 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016

Workshop on study of legal systems
related to intangible cultural heritage in
the Greater Mekong region (December
2015, Toyama)2. Research for Endangered Traditional Handicrafts in Post-Conflict States (Sri Lanka)
ICH faces the danger of extinction in post-conflict situations, due to the displacement and loss of artisans, in addition to the increase of
refugees. Following a request from UNESCO, field research was previously conducted to collect data on the transmission of traditional
handicrafts in the northern and northeastern part of Sri Lanka. Based on this field research, IRCI discussed plans for practical research andmethodologies for revitalizing traditional handicrafts with experts from the Sri Lanka National Craft Council and two surviving artisans fromconflict-affected districts (19-20 December 2015, Toyama Prefectural Civic Center, Toyama).
3. R
 esearch for Safeguarding ICH on the Verge of Extinction: Vietnamese ICH Element Dong Ho Woodblock Printing
IRCI and the Vietnam Institute of Culture and Arts Studies (VICAS) held an editorial meeting to publish the final report on a project implemented
since FY 2013, regarding the transmission of techniques and knowledge of Dong Ho Woodblock Printing (15-18 February 2016, Tokyo National
Museum and Kuroda Memorial Hall, Tokyo). This meeting also provided an opportunity for summarizing the project output and discussing futurecooperation between VICAS and IRCI.

Visit to craft studio (December 2015,
Takaoka)

Research project for revitalizing traditional
handicrafts in Sri Lanka (December 2015,
Toyama)●Activity Focus 3: Collaboration with Sakai City for Promoting ICH
1. T okyo Symposium on Cultural Heritage
Akio Arata, former Director-General participated in the panel discussion at Tokyo
Symposium on Cultural Heritage, co-organised by Sakai City and National Institutes
for Cultural Heritage (20 May 2015, Tokyo National Museum, Tokyo). The symposium
attracted over 250 people and IRCI information panels were displayed in the lobby.
●Communications and Publicity
1.

Website in local languages in the Asia-Pacific region
IRCI disseminates information about its activities in local languages in the AsiaPacific region. In addition to English, Japanese, Khmer, Lao, Singhalese, Tamil, Thai andTokyo Symposium on Cultural Heritage (May
2015, Tokyo)

Vietnamese, IRCI started to update its news in Hindi, Myanmar and Urdu (http://www.irci.jp).
●Other Information
At the 4th Governing Board Meeting held on 25 September 2015, a new medium-term programme for FY 2016-2020 was approved. In FY 2016,
IRCI plans to conduct activities in line with the following activity focuses:
1.

Enhancement of research regarding ICH safeguarding in the Asia-Pacific region

2.

Research on ICH safeguarding and disaster-risk management

3.

Collaboration with Sakai City for promoting ICH, within the framework of IRCI’s mandate

Brief History

Oct . 2009  : Establishment of IRCI authorized at the UNESCO General Conference
Aug. 2010: ‌Agreement for the establishment of IRCI concluded between the Japanese
government and UNESCO
Mar. 2011:   ‌Agreement for the opening of IRCI concluded between Sakai City and the National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage
Apr . 2011:   Establishment of the preparatory office for IRCIOct. 2011:   Official opening of IRCI

Facilities
Buildings（m2）
Building Area
Gross Floor Area

Number of Rooms

244.67244.67
4※The building is leased from Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016 21

Ⅳ Reference Materials
Directors（AS OF APRIL 1, 2016）
WATANABE Taeko: Director
KURUSIMA Noriko: Auditor
NAKAMOTO Fuminori: Auditor

SASAKI Johei: President（Executive Director, Kyoto National Museum）
MATSUMURA Keiji: D irector（Executive Director, Nara National
Research Institute for Cultural Properties）
IKEHARA Mitsuhiro: Director

Special Advisory Board（AS OF APRIL 1, 2016）
We have a board of special advisors, consisting of professionals drawn from outside the institutes, to gather various opinions from many fields
concerning the management of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage. The mission of the Board of Special Advisors is to discuss important issues about the management of the Institutes and give advice to the Chairperson of the Board. The number of board members is set at
20, and each member serves renewable 2-year terms.
SHIMIZU Mazumi: Executive Director, Mitsui Memorial Museum
SHIRAISHI Taichiro: Executive Director, Osaka Prefecture Chikatsu
Asuka Museum
TANABE Ikuo: President, Osaka Center or Cultural Heritage
DAN Fumi: Actress
HAYASHIDA Suma: Executive Director, Onojo Madokapia Hall
FUJII Jouji: E xecutive Director, Ishikawa Prefectural Museum ofHistory
MABUCHI Akiko: President, Independent Administrative Institution
National Museum of Art

ANDO Hiroyasu: President, Japan Foundation
ISHIZAWA Yoshiaki: Director of Sophia Asia Center for Researchand Human Development
IMAMURA Mineo: Professor Emeritus, National Museum ofJapanese History: Emeritus Proffessor, The
Graduade Univeisity for Advanced Studies
KAZAOKA Noriyuki: Grand Steward, Imperial Household Agency
KAMII Monsho: Head Priest, Byodoin Temple
KARAIKE Koji: ‌Representative Director and Chairman of the Board,
Kyushu Railway Company
SATO Sojun: Professor Emeritus, Nara Women’s University
SATO Teiichi: ‌Professor, Graduate School, International University
of Health and Welfare

External Evaluation Board（AS OF APRIL 1, 2016）
Besides implementing self-evaluation of the Institutes’ operational, survey and research performance, The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage have also established an External Evaluation Board of external experts to verify the Institutes’ assessment of their own performance.（Renewable 2-year terms）
SAKAKIBARA Satoru: Director, Okazaki City Museum
SAKAMOTO Hiroko: E xecutive Director (Cultural Projects and Business Development) of the Asahi Shimbun
Company
SATO Makoto: Professor, Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, University of Tokyo
TAMAMUSHI Satoko: P r o f e s s o r , C o l l e g e o f A r t a n d D e s i g n ,Musashino Art University
NAGOYA Akira: Vice Director, The Gotoh Museum
HAMADA Hiroaki: Professor, J. F. Oberlin University
FUJITA Haruhiko: P rofessor, Graduate School of Letters, Osaka
University
YANAGIBAYASHI Osamu: Reporter, The Yomiuri Shimbun Osaka

KOBAYASHI Tadashi: P rofessor Emeritus, Gakushuin University;
Executive Director, OKADA MUSEUM OF
ART（Chairperson）
KAWAI Masatomo: P rofessor Emeritus, Keio University; Executive Director, Chiba City Museum of Art (ViceChairperson)
AYUKAWA Masaaki: Certified Public Accountant
ISHIKAWA Hideshi: Professor, School of Arts and Letters, Dean of
the Undergraduate School of Arts and Letters,
Meiji University
OKADA Yasuyoshi: P rofessor, Institute for Cultural Studies ofAncient Iraq, Kokushikan University
SAITO Tsutomu: P rofessor, Research Department, National Museum of Japanese History

Number of Staff
Division
Total
National Institutes for Cultural Heritage Secretariat

Number of
staff

Administrative
staff

Technical andsecurity staff

330

131

19

2

178

22

22

0

0

   0

Specialists

Curators/
Researchers

Tokyo National Museum

94

33

11

2

48

Kyoto National Museum

36

18

4

0

14

Nara National Museum

33

15

4

0

14

Kyushu National Museum

27

10

0

0

17

National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo

39

   8

0

0

31

Nara National Research Institute for Cultural Properties
International Research Centre for Intangible Cultural Heritage
in the Asia-Pacific Region

76

23

0

0

53

   3

   2

0

0

   1

（Figures as of April 1, 2016）

22 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016

Organizational Chart
President
National Task Force for the Japanese
Cultural Heritage Disasfer Risk
Mitigation Network

National Institutes for Cultural
Heritage Secretariat

Auditor
Audit oﬃce

Directors

Research Coordinator
Director
Secretary - General
General Aﬀairs
Financial Aﬀairs
Accounting
Facilities and Operations DivisionTokyo National
MuseumExecutive
Director

Kyoto National
MuseumDirector
GeneralExecutive
Vice Director

Deputy Director
GeneralAdministration
Department
GeneralAffairs Division
Accounting
Division
Facilities andOperations
Division
Curatorial
Planning
Department
Planning
Division
Education
Division
Informatics
Division
Public Relations
and Press
Editors Office forthe 150―Year
History of Tokyo
National Museum
Curatorial Research
Department
Collections
Management
Division
Research
Division
Conservation
Division
SpecialResearch Chair

Administrative
Division
Curatorial
Division
Chief
Curators

Nara National
MuseumExecutive
Director
Executive
Vice Director
GeneralAﬀairs Division
Curatorial
Division
SpecialResearch Chair

Kyushu National
MuseumExecutive
Director
Executive
Vice Director
GeneralAﬀairs Division
Curatorial
Board
Planning Division
MuseumScience
Division
Cultural
Properties
Division

Asian Cultural
Exchange Center※※ Kyushu National
Museum is
managed incooperation with
Fukuoka Prefecture

National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties, Tokyo

Nara National ResearchInstitute forCultural Properties

International Research Centre for
Intangible Cultural Heritage
in the Asia-Pacific Region

Director
General

Director
General

Director
GeneralDeputy Director
GeneralDeputy Director
GeneralDeputy Director
GeneralDepartment ofResearch
Support andPromotion

Department ofResearch,
Support andPromotion

Management
SectionAdministration
Division

Department of
Art ResearchArchives andInformation
Systems

Collaboration
Promotion
Division

Department ofIntangible
Cultural
Heritage
Center forConservation
Science
Japan Center forInternational
Cooperation inConservation

Research
SupportDivision
Department ofPlanning and
Coordination
Department ofCultural Heritage
Department ofImperial Palace
Site Investigations
Center for
Archaeological
Operations
Asuka
HistoricalMuseum（As of April 1, 2016）

BudgetFiscal 2016 Budget
Revenue

Source（Unit: JPY1,000）
Fiscal 2016

Fiscal 2015

Self-generated Income

1,474,731

1,322,634

Government funding for operating expenses

8,387,941

8,440,731

Income from commissioned projects

576,849

26,000Grant for facilities improvement

1,334,381

2,920,551

Others (Donations, etc.)
Total

350,5310

12,124,433

12,709,916

Expenditure（Unit: JPY1,000）
PurposeFiscal 2016

Fiscal 2015

Operational expenses

9,862,672

9,763,365

Personnel

3,472,102

3,249,769

Supply costs

6,390,570

6,513,596

Expenses for commissioned projects

576,849

26,000

Facility improvement

1,334,381

2,920,551

Others (Donations, etc.)
Total

350,5310

12,124,433

12,709,916

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016 23

Income from External Sources
Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research（2016）①

Fiscal 2016

Number of
projects
National Institutes
for Cultural Heritage
Secretariat
Tokyo National Museum
Kyoto National Museum
Nara National Museum
Kyushu National Museum②

Multi-year Fund Fiscal 2016

AmountNumber of projects（Unit：JPY1,000）

0

0

0

14

61,7903

15,4701
4

National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties, Tokyo
Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties
International ResearchCentre for Intangible
Cultural Heritage in the
Asia-Pacific Region
Total

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）

Funding forCommissioned Work
（Fiscal 2015）
Number of
projects

Research Grants（Fiscal 2015）

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）

Number of
projects

Amount（Unit: JPY1,000）

（０）

0

1

18,221

1

158,44112（５）16,510

1

5,684

7

24,969

5

（１）

6,370

0

0

3

10,9775,850
36,660

1
3

（０）
（0）

650
4,550

0
4

0
41,459

4
2

9,490
700

10

29,96516（２）17,94022

254,270

2

900

19

96,17042（７）57,33032

223,008

6

4,350

0

0

0

（０）

0

1

51,455

1

5,000

51

245,90579（15）

103,35061

594,09726

214,827※The amount of ① is the appropriation amount as of April, 2016.
※In the case of projects that extend over multiple fiscal years, the amount given under ② shows the amount allocated to that year when the decision to provide
the grant was first made.
※With regard to research topics for which both ① and ② were awarded (partial funding), the number of projects is included under the respective totals for ① and②; the figure given in parentheses for ② is the number of projects for which both types of Grants-in-Aid were awarded. Please note that the figures given include
indirect expenses.
※Funding for commissioned work excludes commissions from the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage.

I Information about Donation and Membership○Financial Donations and Cultural Property Donations【Financial Donations】

Independent Administrative Institutions are mainly administered through national grants for operational costs and facilities improvement.
However, difficult financial conditions and the streamlining of operations makes it necessary to receive outside funds as well. The National
Institutes for Cultural Heritage is no exception and we also need to secure other funding sources besides income from admission fees. For
these reasons, we welcome financial support from a wide range of organizations and individuals.
The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage has been designated by the National Tax Agency as a Special Public-Interest Promotion
Corporation. This means that donations to our institutions（by organizations or individuals）are eligible for more generous income and corporate
tax deductions than donations to regular private entities.

▲

Income tax

When donating to a Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporation, individuals can deduct part of this donation from their taxable income.
A FY2010 amendment to the tax law reduced the minimum annual tax-deductible donation amount from 5,000 yen to 2,000 yen, so any
individual who donates more than 2,000 yen annually to Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporations will be eligible for a tax deduction. As
a result, a donor will be able to deduct a donation amount of up to 40% of total income（minus 2,000 yen）when calculating income tax.

▲

Corporate tax

When donating to a Special Public-Interest Promotion Corporation, corporate entities can count the donation amount as a deductible expense
separate from other general donations. Furthermore, the reform of the tax system in December 2011 raised the ceiling for the amount of
donations that could be included as deductible expenses. As a result, the maximum amount of donations that can be counted as special
deductible expenses =（amount of capital × 0.375（formerly 0.25）+ 6.25% of income（formerly 5%））× 1/2【Cultural Property Donations】

The National Institutes for Cultural Heritage is engaged in the preservation, management, research and display of cultural properties. In
addition to purchasing these cultural properties systematically, we also accept donations from individuals or organizations.

For further information about donations, please contact the following departments:
Institution

Financial Donations

Cultural Property Donations

Phone Numbers

Accounting, Administration
Department

Collections Management,
Curatorial Research Department

03-3822-1111

Financial Affairs

Department of Registration andImage Archives

075-541-1151

Nara National Museum

Accounts

Department of Exhibition and
Education

0742-22-7772
0742-22-7774

Kyushu National Museum

Financial Affairs, General Affairs
Division

Collection Registration, Cultural
Properties Division092-918-2807

Department of Research Support and Promotion, Planning Section

03-3823-2249

Department of Research Support and Promotion, Administration Division0742-30- 6732

General Affairs Section

072-275-8050

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage Secretariat, Financial Affairs

03-3822-2439

Tokyo National Museum
Kyoto National Museum

National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties, Tokyo
Nara National ResearchInstitute for Cultural
Properties
International ResearchCentre for Intangible Cultural
Heritage in the Asia-PacificRegion (IRCI)
Inquiries not specifying
institutions

24 Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, 2016

○MembershipTokyo National Museum and Nara National Museum are supported by the Supporting Member system, while Kyoto National
Museum is supported by the Seifukai Association. We also oﬀ er “Friends of the Museum” and “Museum Passport” systems toencourage people to visit our museums more frequently. We welcome new members at any time of the year.

Campus Members System

Each of the four National Museums has its own membership programs for universities and colleges. These programs are aimed
at deepening cooperation with institutions of higher education and providing opportunities for their students to become familiar
with the National Museums. Members can enjoy various privileges, including free admission to regular exhibitions, for a yearly
membership fee corresponding to the number of students.

○Venue Rental

Each of the National Museums makes its facilities
available as unique venues for MICE (Meetings, Incentives,
Conferences and Exhibitions) events. From corporate parties
to international conventions, the museum facilities can beused for a wide range of activities.

Overseas brand special exhibitionat Tokyo National Museum

High-end jewelry event held at
the Kyoto National Museum○Improving Overseas Visitorsʼ Experience

Each of the individual National Museums provides aconvenient, pleasant environment for overseas visitors using
multilingual explanations and guides.

En gl i s h - l a n gu a ge M u s e u mguide application at Tokyo
National Museum

Outline of the National Institutes for Cultural Heritage, ₂₀₁₆ 25

JR U
gu
Statiisudanion

National Research Institutefor Cultural Properties, Tokyo

National Institutes for
Cultural Heritage Secretariat

International
Library ofWest Gate
Children’s
Literature
KurodaMemorial Hall
◀ To Tokyo
Metro Nezu
StationTOKYO NATIONAL
MUSEUM
Main Gate

National Science
MuseumTokyo Metropolitan
Art Museum

Fountain
Police Box

Ueno park

Tokyo Metropolitan
Festival HallPark Exit

JR UenoStationUeno Zoo

National Museumof Western Art

N

Tokyo Metro
Ueno Station

Keisei Ueno
StationAccess:（JR Line）10 min. from Ueno or Uguisudani Station（Ginza or Hibiya Tokyo Metro Line）15 min. from Ueno Station（Chiyoda Tokyo Metro Line）15 min. from Nezu Station（Keisei Line）15 min. from Keisei Ueno Station

National Institutes for Cultural Heritage
13-9 Ueno Park, Taito-ku, Tokyo, 110-8712
Phone: +81-3-3822-1196

URL: http://www.nich.go.jp/